Viñedos de Aldeanueva has the greatest diversity of grape varieties in La Rioja
Different types of soils —pebble and clay— at widely varying altitudes, together with intensive sun exposure and low rainfall, define the vineyards of Aldeanueva, offering great potential for quality grapes, characterized by their intense colour, medium-high alcohol and great health.
The vines extend from the banks of the River Ebro to the high slopes of Mount Yerga, resulting in a protracted harvest lasting more than a month.
To these characteristics, we should add the benefit of the control and advisory services provided by our Agricultural Engineers, who supervise members’ vineyards from pruning to harvest, with the experience of over three generations of growers and the latest advances in viticulture.
Viñedos de Aldeanueva enjoys the greatest varietal wealth and diversity in Rioja. With Tempranillo as a main grape varietal together with Garnacha, plus Mazuelo, Graciano and Viura.
Tempranillo and Garnacha are the majority grapes grown and dominate our wines because they go so especially well together.
We should not, however, forget the native Mazuelo and the Graciano — almost extinct, grape varieties, that were recovered by our members to provide our wines with that special elegance that is our tradition.
While we await the development of the white grape varieties that were recently approved by the D.O.Ca. Rioja Control Board —Verdejo, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay— Viura continues to be the leading white grape, accompanied by a small portion of Malvasía.
The bodega recently undertook a survey in co-operation with the La Rioja Agricultural Research and Development Centre (CIDA) on “Sexual confusion of the grape berry moth”. The project was undertaken on a total surface area of 300 ha —the largest project of this kind to be carried out in Spain. It is based on the use of pheromones to fight against pests, thereby eliminating the need to use insecticides and pesticides and being more environmentally friendly.
Currently, the bodega is working on a joint project with the University of La Rioja and the CIDA using the by-products resulting from cultivating white button mushrooms as organic contribution and structural improvement for soils. This concurs with the bodega’s interest in preserving the environment and our aspirations towards sustainable viticulture while improving grape and wine quality.
We are co-operating with the company Bioenos S.L. in a five-year project on the development of a grape pricing parameter based on final wine colour that would be added to the other four parameters used for determining the price paid for grapes.
There is also an open project on improving vinification with micro-oxygenation, sensor-based tank control and improved pumpovers, carried out internally by our quality department and financed by theCDTI.
Every year, at the general assembly, the Management Board of Viñedos de Aldeanueva proposes the regulations that will govern the harvest regarding grape picking, best practices, and the value of each grape variety.
This value is based on four parameters:
This is one of the most important aspects of our bodega, as it encourages members to meet and improve these parameters and therefore be paid more for their crop. Grape prices can vary by as much as ±40%, making it worth their while to grow top quality grapes.
Our wineries reach the objective of covering a wide range of products with the commitment of providing the highest quality in our wines
